Douro Chair with Case by Allen

The shape of the back of this satin birch Douro Chair points to it being made by Allen and a stencil to the inside of the packing case confirms this. A number of London companies made Douro chairs but Allen were the only ones who favoured this shape back. The incline of the chair's back can be set by adjusting the leather arm straps on the posts. The chair folds on its X frame legs to pack into the painted pine packing case. At camp the packing case has 4 turned beech legs which will convert it into a table with its main use easily disguised with the aid of tablecloth. The box is painted with the owner's details of T H Thompson of the 78th Highlanders.

Thomas Hinde Thompson joined the 78th as an Ensign on the 27th November 1857. This was just after the regiment was involved in the Indian Mutiny at Cawnpore and Lucknow. However, it's probable that the same Thompson was a Captain previously in the 1st Royal Lancashire Militia, giving up his rank when he joined the 78th. There is a portrait of Thompson as a Captain in the militia in the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum. He made Lieutenant in the 78th in 1858 and purchased his captaincy in 1863. He is no longer listed by the army list of 1875. Douro Chairs with their original packing case are not easy to find and this is a good example by a good maker. Circa 1857.
Chair Size is Given.